The
Holi, the festival of India, is celebrated on the day
after the full moon in every year in March. In
2016 holi falls on March 24th. It is the festival
of colours, a celebration of the triumph of good
over evil, a community festival, and a tradition of
ancient spring rites. Bonfires are lit, marking both
the end of winter and the death of evil, and proceeds
from the seasonal harvest-grains, coconuts etc - offered
to the flames. Similar to New Year celebrations, now,
Holi is also celebrated by sending greeting cards and
Holi gifts to friends and
relatives.

Apart
from the usual fun with coloured powder and
water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions,
which are accompanied by folk songs, dances.

Literally
"Holi" signifies "burning"
in Indian language. It came to be associated
with 'burning', is a story based on ancient
Indian mythology. The story centers on an arrogant
king Hiranyakashipu.
He ordered all in his kingdom to worship him,
instead of Lord Visnu.The king Hiranyakashipu,
however, had a very young son, named Prahalad.
He was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Despite
of his father's order Prahalad continued to
pray to Vishnu. The king Hiranyakashipu attempts
to kill his son many times but fails each time.
Finally, the king's sister Holika
who is said to be immune to fire and burning
sits with the Prahalad in a huge fire. However,
the prince Prahlada emerges unscathed, while
his aunt Holika burns to death. Holi commemorates
this event from mythology, and huge bonfires
are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic
representation.

“There
are practically no religious observances on
this day like fasting or worship. Generally
a log of wood will be kept in a prominent public
place on the Vasantapanchami
day (Magha Sukla Panchami), almost 40
days before the Holi Festival. An image of Holika
with child Prahlad in her lap is also
kept on the log. Holika's image is made of combustible
materials whereas Prahlad's image is made of
non-combustible ones.

There are many stories about the origin of Holi.

Another story relate to the death of demon Putana
at the hands of lord Krishna and to the burning
of demoness Hoda by children. Some link the
festival with the worship of Karma, God of pleasure
and destiny.

Each area celebrates Holi differently; the Bhil
tribesmen of western Madhya Pradesh, who've
retained many of their pre-Hindu customs, celebrate
holi in a unique way. In rural Maharashtra State,
where the festival is known as Rangapanchami
it is celebrated with dancing and singing. In
the towns of Rajasthan — especially Jaisalmer
— the music's great, and clouds of pink,
green, and turquoise powder fill the air. The
grounds of Jaisalmer's
Mandir Palace are turned into chaos,
with dances, folk songs, and colored-powder
confusion.

The Rajasthani and north Indian population at
Kankaria and Jamalpur in Ahmedabad celebrate
Holi in great style with folk dancing and colour
throwing.

The day is also celebrated as the birthday of
Sri Krsna Chaitanya (A.D. 1486-1533), mostly
in Bengal, as also in Puri (Orissa), Mathura
and Vrndavan (in Uttar Pradesh).”